Meta Closes 20-Year Nuclear Deal for Sustainable AI Energy

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has signed a 20-year deal with Constellation Energy to use nuclear power to develop artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies. The collaboration is another step towards sustainable energy solutions for the growing energy needs of tech companies.

New future for Clinton nuclear power plant

Under the deal, Meta will expand energy production at the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois. The nuclear plant was slated for closure in 2017 due to financial problems. Thanks to the Future Energy Jobs Act, the plant remained open until mid-2027 with the help of zero-emission energy credits.

Starting in June 2027, when these credits expire, Meta will take over. The company will ensure that the plant produces an additional 30 megawatts of clean energy. This will not only provide additional power for Meta’s data centers, but will also retain 1.100 local jobs and generate $13,5 million in tax revenue annually.

AI requires enormous amounts of energy

Meta’s increasing focus on AI requires powerful and reliable energy sources. The company aims to run its data centers on 100% clean and renewable energy and sees nuclear energy as an important addition to its energy portfolio. Meta calls the deal an example of how existing nuclear power plants can remain open and thus contribute to a stable electricity grid.

Major tech companies opt for nuclear energy

Meta isn’t the only tech company betting on nuclear power. Microsoft struck a similar deal with Constellation last year to bring the previously closed Three Mile Island nuclear plant back into service. Google entered into a deal with Kairos Power for small modular reactors, while Amazon invests in advanced nuclear technology.

Questions & Answers

Why does Meta choose nuclear energy?

Meta wants to sustainably meet the growing energy needs of its AI activities. Nuclear energy offers a stable, emission-free energy source that fits this.

What exactly does the deal with Constellation Energy entail?

Starting in 2027, Meta will purchase nuclear power from the Clinton plant in Illinois. The plant will be upgraded to 30 megawatts and will remain open thanks to the deal.

Are other tech companies doing this too?

Yes, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have all recently made similar investments in nuclear energy to power their data centers.